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Bill would require code officers to provide tenants copies of housing‑code violation notices and hearing dates
Summary
Representative Cruz introduced a bill requiring housing code enforcement officers to provide tenants a copy of any housing‑code notices and associated hearing dates; sponsors said the change closes an enforcement gap and improves tenant access to information.
House Bill 5267, introduced by Representative Cruz and heard March 20 before the House Committee on Municipal Government and Housing, would require housing code enforcement officers to provide tenants with copies of housing code violation notices and any scheduled hearing dates.
Sponsor Rep. Cruz said the amendment responds to recurring cases in which tenants reported unsafe conditions but landlords did not deliver required notice copies within the existing 30‑day statutory duty. The bill would allow municipal enforcement officers to deliver the notice directly to the tenant, ensuring tenants know about violations, repair timelines and upcoming municipal hearings.
Why it matters: Tenants often rely on timely notice to attend hearings, document conditions and assert legal rights. Witnesses and the sponsor described instances in which municipalities already provide copies to tenants as a best practice; this bill would standardize that practice statewide.
Testimony and next steps The hearing record included support from housing‑advocacy groups; written testimony from the Housing Network of Rhode Island was noted. Committee members heard the bill and closed the hearing for the evening; no committee vote was recorded on March 20.
Ending Sponsors said the change is procedural and aims to improve transparency in enforcement and tenant safety.
